The best photography spots in Cusco and around

Cusco is extraordinarily photogenic: perfect Inca walls under colonial balconies, baroque churches, cobbled alleys, colourful markets and mountains always in the background. And an hour or two away are some of the most striking landscapes in the Andes. This guide gathers the best spots, the best time for each and some technical and etiquette tips to come home with great images.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Historic centre

• Plaza de Armas: the Cathedral and La Compañía with the hills behind. At dawn it's almost empty; at dusk the lit façades and deep blue sky make the most spectacular shots.
• Hatun Rumiyoc street: the twelve-angled stone and the Inca palace walls. Go early to avoid groups.
• Loreto street: an alley between Inca walls, great for perspective shots.
• Qorikancha: the contrast between Inca walls and the Santo Domingo convent, especially from the gardens on Avenida El Sol.

• Plaza de Armas in Cusco: history, what to see around it and practical tips
• Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun: tickets, hours, what to see and history

San Blas

San Blas's steep streets, whitewashed houses, blue doors and balconies and stairways are perfect for street photography. Cuesta de San Blas and Siete Culebras street are among the most photographed. Early morning light is soft and streets are quiet.

• San Blas, Cusco's artisan quarter: what to see, viewpoints and tips

Viewpoints

• San Cristóbal: the best overall view of the centre, especially at sunset.
• Cristo Blanco and Sacsayhuamán: wide panoramas of the valley and red roofs.
• Santa Ana: a lesser-known angle.

• The best viewpoints in Cusco: where to see the city from above
• Cristo Blanco in Cusco: how to walk up, best time for views and safety
• Sacsayhuamán: how to visit, tickets, history and tips

Markets and local life

San Pedro market and local fairs offer colour, texture and everyday scenes. Photograph produce freely, but always ask before portraits of vendors. Buying something at the stall is a nice gesture.

• San Pedro Market in Cusco: what to eat, what to buy, opening hours and tips
• Local markets in Cusco: Wanchaq, Huancaro, Vinocanchón and beyond San Pedro

Sacred Valley

• Pisac's terraces and views from the top of the site.
• Moray's circular terraces, best in side light in the morning or afternoon.
• Maras salt pans, spectacular in sunshine when the pools shine.
• Ollantaytambo: terraces and the still-inhabited Inca streets.
• Chinchero: the colonial church on Inca walls with snowy peaks behind.

• Moray and the Maras salt mines: how to visit from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Pisac: Inca ruins, craft market and how to visit from Cusco
• Ollantaytambo: ruins, a living Inca town, the Machu Picchu train and tips
• Chinchero: weaving, Inca ruins and market between Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Mountains and lakes

• Humantay Lake: turquoise water beneath the Humantay glacier; best mid-morning with sun on the lake.
• Rainbow Mountain and Palccoyo: colours are richer under light cloud or after rain.
• Ausangate and its lakes: for photographers willing to trek far.

• Humantay Lake: how to get there, the hike and tips
• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): a practical guide to visiting
• Palccoyo: the alternative rainbow mountain, easier and quieter than Vinicunca
• Ausangate Seven Lakes: a one-day hike from Cusco

Machu Picchu

The classic shot is from the upper area near the Guardhouse. Choose a circuit that includes it when buying your ticket. Morning mist may hide the view at first but usually lifts; often the best images come as clouds move between the peaks. Remember tripods and drones aren't allowed.

• Machu Picchu circuits explained: which to choose (1, 2 or 3) and what you see
• Machu Picchu rules: what to bring, bag size, banned items and guides

Technical tips

• Midday light is very harsh at altitude: use the first and last hours of the day.
• A polarising filter deepens skies and lake colours.
• Carry spare batteries: cold drains them fast.
• Protect your camera from dust and rain with a cover.
• Photos are often banned inside churches and museums; follow the rules.

• Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack

Photographing respectfully

• Ask before photographing people, especially children.
• In the city, some people in traditional dress pose with llamas for tourists in exchange for a tip; agree beforehand if you want that photo.
• Don't fly drones without permits; they're banned at archaeological sites.
• Don't climb walls or structures for a shot.

Festivals: the most intense photos

Cusco's festivals offer some of the most memorable images: June dances and parades during the Inti Raymi season, Corpus Christi processions with parish saints, the Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage or the Virgen del Carmen fiesta in Paucartambo in July. Crowds are big: arrive early, find a high vantage point and carry little gear. Respect religious moments and don't interrupt processions.

• Inti Raymi in Cusco: date, schedule, tickets and how to experience the Festival of the Sun
• Corpus Christi in Cusco: dates, the saints' procession, chiriuchu and tips
• Qoyllur Rit'i: the Andean pilgrimage below Ausangate (dates and how to attend)
• Paucartambo and Tres Cruces: the Virgen del Carmen festival and sunrise over the Amazon

What gear to bring

A modern phone handles most scenes. With a camera, a versatile zoom covers streets, landscapes and details. Travel light: heavy loads at altitude tire you quickly.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).